40,000 in Gallipoli ballot

MORE than 40,000 applications have been received for 7600 spots at the 2015 Gallipoli Dawn Service.

The service will mark 100 years since the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops during World War I.

The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac, Senator Michael Ronaldson, said the government’s contracted ticket provider would now begin the process of confirming applications.

“Ticketek will review and remove any duplicate, incomplete or incorrect applications before the ballot is drawn. The ballot draw is automated and comprises of four cascades, providing some preference for direct descendants and veterans with qualifying or overseas service,” Senator Ronaldson said.

“Outside the ballot, there are places for Australian First World War widows who will be included as part of Australia’s official representative group and 400 places for secondary schoolchildren and their chaperones.”

Senator Ronaldson said all ballot applicants, successful and unsuccessful, will be notified of the outcome before Anzac Day.

There will be 400 double passes allocated to direct descendants, 400 double passes to veterans and 3000 double passes for all other applicants.